A Boone man convicted of arson was sentenced in a Boone County courtroom on Friday.

Brett Graham, 19, received a sentence of 10 years in prison. He was immediately taken into custody and will be sent to the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Oakdale for processing.

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Graham was convicted of second-degree arson last month.

"This is necessary for the protection of the community and I conclude also that it does provide for your rehabilitation," said Judge Steven Oeth.

Before the sentencing, victims in the case addressed the court. Carolyn Hassbrook who lost her horses and barn in a fire set by Graham gave her victim impact statement.

"Why on Earth would you feel the need to do this? First of all you put your father and your friends at risk, they could have been hurt or killed and on top of that you burned down my barn and killed my horses," said Hasbrook.

Graham's father is a firefighter and Graham was a volunteer for the Kelley Fire Department.

Boone County Attorney Daniel Kolacia said this is a very serious case involving an arson in the middle of the night. He said a fireman could have been killed in the arson fire.

Kolacia said prison is the best place for Graham and sending him there was the best way to protect the public.

"Mr. Graham is very youthful, 19-years-old, he does not have a prior criminal history," said Samuel Lyon, Graham's attorney.

Lyon said the sentence needs to provide Graham with a mental health evaluation.

He needs to be rehabilitated in a place like a halfway house, the attorney said.

Graham is also accused of setting fires in Story County. A trial on those charges has been delayed until October.